It’s Christmas. The tv is playing old movies and Stacey’s family is surrounding the Rumoli board and there’s a whole lot of laughter. I’m missing my own two kids as they spend time with the result of families spread across distance. I ducked in on them via Facebook. It’s a comfort to see their faces and smiles and it is always good to know that they are safe and happy. That doesn’t remove the small ache that hovers in moments between being busy. I’m looking forward to my turn with them.

It’s raining on the island and the weather is a far cry from the cold that is Alberta. The holiday has allowed me to work out every day. It’s crazy calm and I am relishing in ignoring the white noise that is my usual brain. It’s usually in constant motion with the iterations of the complexity that is my work – a thousand silken threads each tugging from a different direction – a spider’s web in a rainstorm. Instead I ran without thought. It was a quiet surprise that snuck up on me with a grin.

And so I shifted my neutral brain to the things prevalent in my thoughts that make me thankful.

1) Family
2) Friends
3) My partner. Should be first on this list. She’s amazing.
4) Ability to run, feel sore, and be happily tired.
5) Being Canadian. ARE YOU KIDDING? We are so fortunate
6) Youthfulness. Ok. Not that I’m bragging but 9/10 people think I’m 5-10 years younger than I am. Ok. Maybe a little bragging.
7) Opportunity. I’m so fortunate. The work I’ve invested a lifetime into is leading me into opportunities across Canada and other parts of the world. How fun is that?
8) Home sweet home. I love coming home. It’s a great place to be.
9) Making a difference.
10) Attitude. Mine. Every day of my life has not been exceptional. In fact some have been, well… We’ve all had them. But what I know is I’m responsible for the tomorrow in front of me. Every day is a great day if I choose to make it so.

Be thankful, pass it forward and celebrate the moments. What are you really thankful for? I’m kind of curious.

Merry Christmas.